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Merson: £18 million bonkers for Johnson

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has labelled Liverpool's expensive acquisition of Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson as his bonkers buy of the season so far.

Published

10 August 2009

Johnson made 84 league outings for Portsmouth after originally arriving on loan from Chelsea in 2006, netting four times, including the spectacular long-range volley at home to Hull City in 2008/09 that was named goal of the season.

His impressive form for the Fratton Park outfit led to England honours under Fabio Capello before his big-money move to Anfield, after rejecting the opportunity to re-join Chelsea, who had also had a bid accepted by Portsmouth.

However, Sky Sports pundit Merson, who made more than 300 league outings for the Gunners from 1985-97, believes the Merseysiders are mad to have shelled out such a large fee for a defender.

“The Premier League is not blessed with 15 world-class left wingers so I don't see how a right-back can affect a game that much," he said.

"I've got nothing against the player, I think he was outstanding for Portsmouth last year, but I just don't think you should be spending that amount of money on somebody who plays at right-back.”